Azerbaijani political expert Zardusht Alizade said that Turkey has all prospects to solve the disagreements between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Q: Turkish media says Turkmen president is going to pay an official visit to Turkey in near future. Turkish analysts believe that during this visit Turkey will act as mediator in the settlement of disagreements between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan over Kapaz field on the Caspian Sea. Do you think these report are true?
Zardusht Alizade: I believe the visit by Turkmen president to Turkey aims to discuss bilateral relations and prospects for cooperation between the countries. Turkey is a great regional power. Therefore, this visit is quite natural. The fact that there are a number of mutual interests and energy perspective is also quite natural.
It is possible that Turkey will attempt to act mediator in resolving disputes between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan during the forthcoming visit. Turkey is an authoritative country in the region. Turkey has a good relationship with both Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Therefore, Turkey has all prospects to settle the relations between the two Turkic-speaking countries — Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
Q: How can the dispute between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan impact Nabucco project?
A: Turkmenistan is one of the most important gas suppliers for Nabucco. Disputes between countries could undermine position of both Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the project.
When the project on Baku-Erzurum gas pipeline was signed, it was estimated that Turkmenistan will take part in it. But under the agreement with Russia about 50% of the capacity of the pipeline accounted for the Azerbaijani gas. Later Turkmenbashy did not accept it and Turkmenistan did not become a party to the project.
And now these differences may compel one party to refuse to participate in Nabucco.
Q: So, Turkey will try to resolve the dispute as it may affect the realization of Nabucco …
A: Turkmenistan, along with Azerbaijan, is an important country for Turkey. Nabucco project is also important for Turkey as it diversifies sources of supply for the country. Nabucco project is very important for Europe and in this respect Turkey is seeking to occupy a stance significant for Europe.
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